WA Jazz Directory

WA has a vibrant live jazz scene and some great organisations and clubs bringing people together who share a love of jazz. The WA Jazz Directory lists artists, bands & ensembles, composers, arrangers, venues and organisations from all around Western Australia.

If you are a jazz musician and your name or your band is missing from this directory, please submit your details using the ‘submit your listing’ button. Submissions are moderated, so it may take a day or so to see your listing go live. Basic listing (name and contact/web link) is free. To add your image, bio and be added as a featured listing requires paying a small membership fee. (Visit the Membership page for more details).

With a background in musical theatre and circus, along with five years of music study and 16 years of music industry experience, she has developed a solid reputation in Western Australia as an accomplished jazz singer, bandleader and vocal coach.

In 1996, while still studying, Libby and three of her fellow students formed a quartet which they called Hip Mo' Toast (Hip because it's cool, Mo' because you get more for your money and Toast because everybody loves toast!). Over the years Hip Mo' Toast matured and grew in to an outstanding collective of Perth's best jazz musicians, performing in ensembles ranging from a trio to a big band, all led by Libby herself.
Hip Mo' Toast has performed thousands of concerts since 1996, including touring to the eastern states of Australia on two occasions, performing at the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival in Italy in 2006 and for a royal wedding in Singapore in 2007. Hip Mo’ Toast has made four CD recordings and in 2006 won its sixth consecutive Western Australian Music Industry Association award for Most Popular Original Jazz Act.

As well as having composed original songs for Hip Mo' Toast recordings, in August 2006 Libby completed her first commissioned work ‘The Glade’ for New Music For The Southern Forests. In her own right, Libby has performed with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and alongside such Australian jazz icons as James Morrison and Joe Chindamo. She has worked with international jazz artists such as Josh Hilberman (USA), Christoph Spendel (Germany) and two - time Grammy Winner Gary Bartz (USA).

Libby was a key member of the Perth Jazz Society committee from 1992 until 2006 and in 2005 won the PJS Award for Most Outstanding Individual Contribution To Jazz. In 2007 she won another PJS award - Life Membership for Outstanding Long - Term Contribution to Jazz. She is proud to be Patron of Jazz Fremantle. Libby regularly adjudicates eisteddfods and singing competitions and is sought after for her professional development workshops. She has taught jazz at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and currently teaches singing at two of Perth's leading private schools.

Upright and electric bassist and composer Nick Abbey has become an integral fixture of the jazz and contemporary music scenes in WA since arriving from Melbourne in 2006.

As a performer, Nick has appeared with the likes of international luminaries George Garzone, John Scofield, Paul Bollenback, Alex Norris, Jim Pugh, Howard Levy, and Troy Roberts, as well as local legends Paul Grabowsky, Jamie Oehlers, James Morrison, and Graham Lyall. Aside from his main ensemble TRISK, Nick is also currently an active member of Abbey|Foster|Falle, Det Nopsus, Libby Hammer Quintet, Hammer 9, Johannes Luebbers Dectet, Paul Grabowsky's Perth Sextet, and The Fix, amongst others.

Nick's compositions have repeatedly drawn accolades, including the recently announced award of the WA Music Industry's Jazz Song of the Year 2014 for a new TRISK tune entitled Charon. This is Nick's third consecutive receipt of this accolade, with tracks from Abbey|Foster|Falle's Brotherhood album previously taking it out in 2012 (Maelstrom) and 2013 (Avina).

Nick has toured nationally and internationally (including Singapore, China, France, and Italy), has featured on over a dozen recording projects, and has recently commenced Ph.D studies at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, focusing on rhythm and extended techniques of the upright bass.

Jazz Vocalist and Tutor. This stylish and sophisticated singer has long been established as one of Western Australia’s premier jazz vocalists, performing with her band since 1996. Penny is as well known to those in the know for her passionate and evocative stage presence as she is for her diverse arrangements of standards and contemporary tunes alike.
Her position as vocal tutor in the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ jazz department is testament to her respected place in the thriving Perth Jazz scene.

Active as a professional musician for over 20 years, Pete graduated from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (W.A.A.P.A.) in 1997 with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz) and is an in-demand bassist performing regularly in a wide range of styles on both Double Bass and Electric Bass Guitar.

Pete has performed extensively throughout Australia and also in India, China, the U.K, Italy, Singapore, Japan, the U.S.A and New Zealand and he has performed with many well known artists including Michel Legrand, Hank Marvin, Mark Murphy, Geoffrey Keezer, George Garzone, Leo Sayer, Carmen Lundy, Andy Sheppard, Gary Bartz, Walter Smith III, Karrin Allyson and James Morrison to name only a few.

Currently a member of the highly acclaimed Tom O’Halloran Trio, Pete is also bassist for the Perth ensemble “Memory of Elements” (MOE) which launched it’s debut album and toured Australia in 2011 including performances at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. MOE recently released it’s second album “Now Noise” composed by the group’s pianist Tom O’Halloran. Pete is also a member of the gyspy jazz groups “Belleville” and “Sassafras” and he has been a member of many other perth-based jazz groups including “Michael Pigneguy Sextet” and “The Perth Jazz Orchestra”. Pete has also led/co-led a number of groups including “Thrust” (funk-jazz) “Salamander” (jazz & electronic music) “Frames of Minds” (modern jazz) and continues to lead jazz groups under his own name ranging in size from trio to quintet.

An avid composer, Pete has written numerous original works including commissions for the Nuevo Tango group ‘Guapo’, Southern Forests Arts and also JAZZWA (the 26th Parallel Suite - written for 20 piece ensemble) and he has won WAMi awards for jazz composition. Pete also writes for his own groups/projects including the Pete Jeavons Quintet.

Named the Perth Jazz Society’s most outstanding contributor in the year 2011 (and previously in 2000 too), Pete was also a finalist in the 2008 National Jazz Bass Awards. Despite maintaining a busy schedule as a freelance musician Pete has been a driving force in the not-for-profit arts organization “JAZZWA” for 17 years, in various roles including Project Manager, General Manager, and currently Treasurer. As a Project Manager for JAZZWA Pete has produced six volumes of the Jazzaziz Compilation CD for JAZZWA (which features original contemporary jazz from various Perth jazz groups) and organized countless performances, tours and jam sessions for JAZZWA. Pete also runs the annual JazzNOW! Jazzcamp for JAZZWA, designed to educate young jazz musicians.

Pete also teaches bass at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (W.A.A.P.A.), and is a presenter of the ‘Giant Steps’ contemporary jazz program on community radio station RTR-FM 92.1.

The ultimate entertainer, Serge shares his passion for Jazz with his audiences wherever his shows take him. Jazz historian, comedian, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, Serge performs on all saxophones. He has been gracing the planks of various stages throughout Australia as well as France, Germany, Belgium, Japan and Switzerland, to name but a few. His latest creation "Sax Life" is a Jazz musical theatre that has been touring WA for over a year now and is set to go over East in the next few months. Serge will also be touring Europe in 2019.

After completing his Bachelor of Music with Distinction in 1991, Chris went on to post graduate study at North Texas University, studying drum set and percussion with world renown jazz educator, Ed Soph. During his time at North Texas, Chris attended clinics with David Garibaldi, Jim Chapin, Adam Nassbaum, John Robinson and Bill Stewart, and was fortunate enough to perform with Trilok Gurtu, Steve Smith, Lew Soloff and Louis Bellson. Upon his return Chris became involved in the Perth music scene playing and recording with local artists. He also performed with international jazz artists such as John Taylor, Dave Samuals, Frank Foster, Randy Brecker, Kenny Drew Jnr and Mark Livine. In 1995 Chris won Australia s Best Up and Coming Drummer award and received $3000 worth of prizes and endorsements. Chris is currently teaching at the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music Full Time and playing in Afro-Cuban group Descarga.

Freddie Grigson has been at the forefront of Australia’s ever-evolving jazz scene for the past 35 years. His artistic virtuosity and authentic interpretation of the Jazz language has earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most in-demand guitarists.

Beginning his musical career in Melbourne, Freddie moved to Perth in the early 1980’s where he continues to perform, teach, record and develop his skills and unique sound.

Armed with an extensive and increasing number of original compositions along with the ability to continually reinvent the standard jazz repertoire, Freddie delivers a harmonic sensitivity, together with an instinctive melodic flair.

He is an experienced and sought-after sideman, working alongside legendary artists such as Sammy Davis, Jr and Shirley Bassey. He is also a headliner in his own right and has shared the stage with jazz giants, including Joe Pass and John Scofield.

Freddie has released two albums, Bluezone in 1997 and Past and Present, released in early 2012.

Now based in Perth, Western Australia, Jamie was the winner of the 2003 White Foundation World Saxophone Competition, was named Australian Jazz Musician of the Year at the 2007 Bell Awards, as well as winning the Best Jazz Release category and is now coordinator of Jazz Studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Jamie has performed in the United States, Asia, India, UK, Europe, New Zealand and throughout Australia with leading international jazz artists like Charlie Haden, Geri Allen, Robert Hurst, Eric Harland, Reuben Rogers, George Garzone, Cindy Blackman, Ronnie Scott, John and Jeff Clayton, Curtis Lundy, Paul Grabowsky, Dale Barlow, Bernie McGann, Barney Mcall, Scott Tinkler, Joe Chindamo and James Morrison, and with groups like the Australian Art Orchestra, Sam Keevers Octet, Paul Grabowsky Quartet/Qunitet and Sextet, Blowfish and the Paul Williamson Sextet.

Bossa Nova Baby is her nickname. And now also the title of her first original album. Juliana Areias lived for many years in Europe (Switzerland) and New Zealand prior to moving to Australia. Her career includes performances at major international festivals such as the revered Montreux Jazz Festival, Auckland Festival, and American’s Cup (NZ). Recent performances include, The Ellington Jazz Club, 505 in Sydney, The Kings Park Festival, The Perth International Jazz Festival, New York’s exhibition “Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond” at The Art Gallery of Western Australia, and Ritmo Festival at The Darling Harbour, where she sang for a crowd of over 30.000 people.

Corner House Jazz Band plays traditional jazz with a hard driving style, making it one of Australia’s most accomplished jazz bands. The band was formed in 1980 to play at the Railway Hotel, North Fremantle, and still plays there every Saturday afternoon. It is in it’s 20th year of Friday night gigs at the Jazz Cellar. Song repertoire ranges from Souza Marches to Louis Armstrong Hot Fives and Sevens Numbers.

Tom O’Halloran leads his own original jazz piano trio outfit and conducts orchestras from time to time, composes new classical music, plays wild old analogue synthesizers and even rock guitar. Most recently he has played with acclaimed bassist Robert Hurst (USA), was nominated for a 2012 APRA Australian Art Music award and was a finalist in the 2011 Freedman Foundation Jazz Fellowship – where he was featured at the Sydney Opera House.

He plays a myriad of styles, and recently arranged all the music for the concert series JONI – a Joni Mitchell tribute that was staged at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne and Brisbane, starring Katie Noonan and Wendy Matthews. He has also worked with other industry names such as Pete Murray (Sony), James Morrison, singers Tina Harrod, Ilan Kidron (Potbellez, Universal), Max Sharam, Geoff Duff, Josh Quong-Tart (Home and Away, All Saints), Hugo Race (Bad Seeds), David Campbell, Deni Hines (Sony BMG), Mark Sholtez (Verve label), Rick Robertson (DIG), and other jazz musicians of the caliber of James Muller, Simon Barker, Kristen Berardi, trumpeter Phil Slater, bassist Cameron Undy and 20th Century Dog, Dan Barnett’s Big Band – and has performed at other Australian jazz festivals including the Melbourne Jazz Festival, Newcastle, York (WA), Manly and Coolah Jazz Festivals.

Tom O’Halloran leads the Jazz Piano department at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University, and also lectures in jazz composition and improvisation. He is a regularly commissioned composer, and currently holds a Master of Music in classical composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) from WAAPA.

The UWA Jazz Club (UWAJC) exists to organise and promote the listening, playing and appreciation of jazz music at the University of Western Australia. With direct ties to the UWA Student Guild, the UWAJC is run by a committee of UWA students.

WAYJO is Australia’s leading youth jazz orchestra and one of the country’s cultural gems. It provides a unique experience for jazz musicians aged 14 to 25 who are the absolute cream of young jazz players from Western Australia and beyond.